Disclaimer : I own nothing except my own fictional characters and recieve no payments of any sort. This story is for simple entertainment and fun only.

Hey everyone ! Hope your enjoying the story so far! I really hope you guys like this chapter, I had a lot of fun writing it. A couple of guest appearances in this chapter. Constuctive criticism is always welcome and reviews are much appreciated. Thanks everyone!

It was Opilio Season and it seemed that every crabber in the fleet was jam-packed inside the Elbow Room. The exact date was January 8th, which was Gia's birthday and also the day before fishing started. Sig had casually mentioned to Johnathan that Gia's birthday was the day before everyone took off for fishing and that they'd surprised her with an ice cream cake, because acorrding to Jake, it was her favorite. Johnathan of course decided that ice cream cake was way too simple and thought that a surprise party at the Elbow Room would be better. Sig was hesitant of the idea at first, but Johnathan promised he'd take care of everything himself, and that Sig could even bring his "stupid ice cream cake" if it made him feel better. Sig finally consented and as promised Johnathan took care of everything, with the help of his girlfriend Becka, who'd become very good friends with Gia since they'd met last summer, when Becka was waiting on the docks for Johnathan, after Salmon tendering was over. In fact Becka was the one who persuaded Gia to go to the Elbow Room to celebrate her birthday tonight. Gia insisted that she rarely drank, but Becka said having a couple beers and spending some quality girl time with "just" her and Jo would be fun. Gia finally caved in and got dressed in brown leather high heeled boots, skin tight Denim skinny jeans, and a white long sleeved V-neck shirt, that fitted her figure perfectly, displaying her rarely seen curves and 38-C cup sized breast. She put her long, straight, light brown hair into a tight ponytail and decided on wearing the gold hooped earrings Jo had given her as a birthday gift, earlier that day. To Gia's surprise they looked good on her and she'd have to remember to thank Jo again. Gia took one final look of herself in the bathroom mirror, walked into the galley, grabbed up her black leather jacket, and made her way outside to the deck. She would've told the guys where she was going, but they'd left a couple of hours ago to the Time Bandit, for some "male bonding" and they'd promptly let her know she wasn't invited. Gia rolled her eyes at the memory.

When she walked out on deck she saw both Jo and Becka waiting expectantly with smiles on their faces. Gia couldn't help but smile back as she hopped over the rail and gave the girls big hugs.

"I see you're wearing my present." Jo said happily

"Yeah I am. I really like them, but I don't pull them off as well as you."

"Nah, they look just as pretty on you. Better even." Jo said with a smile.

"You ladies ready to do this?" Becka asked and they nodded.

Gia stood in the middle of the two girls and they walked with their arms linked together towards the bar. This was the first time Gia had actually felt good about being in Dutch Harbor since she'd arrived a few weeks earlier to help get the boat ready for Opilio Season. Her time away from Norman had done nothing to lessen her love for him. In fact it became stronger with each passing day which made it even more difficult for Gia to be around him again. He still looked at her with cold eyes, but instead of seeing anger, it had been replaced with disdain and that had hurt Gia even more. The way she saw it, if he was angry that mean't he still cared. But seeing the disdain in his eyes mean't that Gia was no longer even worthy of his consideration, she wasn't even worth feeling anything for, not even anger. Gia wasn't sure if Edgar had ever told Norman the truth about what happened between them or if Norman had even believed him or cared. Edgar never mentioned it to her and for some reason she didn't want to ask. Either way, Norman was still avoiding her and that was answer enough. Gia decided that tonight she'd try to have some fun. Besides, Jo and Becka always made her feel better and they were a great support system. They just walked up in front of the Elbow Room and all the lights were off, which Gia found odd because this bar was almost never closed, especially during the fishing seasons.

"Well ladies, I guess the Elbow Room is closed for the night." Gia said and shrugged.

"I don't think so." Becka said with a smile on her face.

"Umm hello, all the lights are off." Gia said a bit sarcastically.

"So what? That doesn't mean anything." Jo said laughingly and Gia wondered briefly if these two were on crack. Gia was just about to ask them, as a confirmation, when Jo opened the door and shoved Gia inside. Immediately she was blinded by lights that suddenly brightened the bar.

"SURPRISE!" Everyone scream in unison and Gia laughed, hugging Jo and Becka tightly.

"You slick bitches." Gia said jokingly and Becka winked at her. Suddenly Johnathan Hillstrand ran towards Gia, picking her up and spinning her, all the while laughing. Gia laughed at his enthusiasm but felt like she might get dizzy soon if he didn't put her down soon. As if Becka had just read her mind she put her hand on Johnathan's shoulder, signaling him to stop.

"Alright babe, I think she's had enough of that."

Johnathan put her down and slid his arm over Becka's shoulders, giving her a kiss. Seeing Johnathan made Jo immediately scan the bar, looking for a particular face, when she felt strong arms wrap around her waist.

"Looking for me?" Andy said in her ear and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

"No, actually I was looking for my boyfriend." Jo said and when Andy gave her a hard look she laughed, turned around to face him full on and gave him a kiss. He kissed her back quickly before turning his attention to Gia, who was watching the Hillstrand love-fest unfold in front of her.

"You guys make me sick." Gia said jokingly.

"Jealous?" Andy asked with a laugh

"You know she is." Johnathan said with a smirk.

"You bet I am." Gia said sarcastically, rolling her eyes and turning her attention back towards the crowded bar. She looked over to the far right side of the bar and saw her crew, waiting for her, with smiles on their faces. Gia began making her way over, but was stopped atleast a million different times. She exchanged kisses, hugs, and laughter with the entire Time Bandit, Cornelia Marie, Kodiak, and Wizard crews. By the time she reached the Northwestern boys she felt her head spinning. Sig was the first to stand up and give Gia big hug and happy birthday, then Jake, Edgar, Matt, and Nick. Gia had seen Norman at the table when she first looked over but by the time she'd gotten there he was gone. Gia took off her leather jacket and sat down. Matt whistled at her and Edgar made a big show of checking out her figure. All the guys thought she looked hot, especially because she never wore feminine clothing, not that they could blame her, due to their profession. Gia rolled her eyes and smiled.

"Guys, thank you so much for the surprise birthday party. You really didn't have to do it."

"We didn't" Sig said.

"Figures." Gia grumbled and Sig laughed.

"Johnathan actually planned all this for you. And Becka too. We were just gonna buy you an ice cream cake and call it a day." Matt said.

"Wow, you guys really know how to go all out." Gia said sarcastically "But seriously ice cream cake would've been just fine. That's my favorite kind of cake anyway."

"I know, I remembered Gia. It was my idea." Jake said proudly and Gia laughed, making a kiss in his direction.

"Well since it's your birthday I think we can still make that happen for you." Edgar said and signaled for Freddy Maugatai to come over. He made his way over and Edgar said

"Alright man, she's ready for her ice cream cake."

"Sweet." Freddy said in only that way that he can and everyone laughed.

He, Edgar, and Nick made their way to the back of the bar and soon returned with Freddy holding a big ice cream cake with the candles burning and "Happy Birthday Bering Sea Princess" written across it in pink. Nick was holding a bag of paper plates and spoons and Edgar held the knife to cut the cake.

"Hey Everyone! Yo! Everybody!" Edgar yelled out to the noisy bar room and everyone soon quieted. "Its time to sing to the birthday girl!"

Soon everyone broke out into song and Gia was slightly embarrased. She never liked much attention to be focused on her, but she was also extremely happy for what everyone had done for her and that they made her feel special. When they finished singing Johnathan yelled "Make a wish!" from across the room and Gia closed her eyes tightly and did just that. When she blew out all 27 of her candles everyone cheered and went back to having a good time. Freddy cut off a big slice of cake for Gia and she graciously accepted it.

"Happy Birt-day Baaay-beeee!" Freddy yelled happily and the Northwestern crew laughed hard. Gia reached out to Freddy, giving him a hard hug and big kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you Freddy!"

"Welcome." Freddy said with a smile and made his way back over to join the Cornelia Marie crew. Gia began eating her cake and a couple of the guys helped themselves to a slice as well. Sig eventually went over to sit with the Captains and Nick, Jake, Matt, and Edgar went to go talk to various people who'd attended the party. Becka and Jo soon made their way over to Gia.

"You having a good time baby?" Jo asked over the music

"Yeah I am. Thank you guys so much. Especially you Becka. I heard you and Johnathan really put this thing together for me."

Becka shrugged it off, but Gia was sure she caught a glimpse of her blushing.

"So you head back to Seattle tomorrow?" Gia asked Becka, since she was the only one of the three women who didn't work as a crab fisherman or woman, in their case. Becka nodded solemnly

"Yeah, I just came to throw you this party and see Johnathan off."

"Don't worry, he'll be fine." Jo said assuringly

"I know. I'll just miss him." Both Gia and Jo nodded.

"So Gia, what's happening with you and Norman?" Becka asked.

Both she and Jo knew about the "Norman situation". Gia had called them both on 3-way at the end of the season and poured her heart out. Now that her best friend was gone, it was good to have these two women as friends. With them she was allowed to "be a girl" and it felt good to release her emotions to them and have them understand what she was going through and be comfortable talking about feelings.

"I haven't spoken to him since that day in the wheelhouse, when he told me he hated me." Gia said and the two women gaped at her.

"You mean he hasn't even wished you a happy birthday?" Becka asked in surprise.

"Nope. In fact, I haven't seen him since we came in."

"Didn't Edgar tell him what really happened with you guys." Jo asked and Gia shrugged.

"He never brought it up to me and I don't even want to ask. The way Norman looks at me now, I don't think it even matters. He looks at me with such disdain." Gia said sadly.

"FUCK HIM!" Becka suddenly burst out and after recovering from momentary shock, both Gia and Jo laughed.

"I second that!" Jo said

"Amen!" Gia said, still laughing.

The girls spoke about one thing or another and listened to a funny story Becka was telling them, when Jo abruptly stopped laughing.

"What's wrong?" Gia asked

"Uhh nothing." Jo said quickly and Gia eyed her suspiciously before turning around to see what Jo had just seen. Gia automatically felt her heart drop when she saw Norman sitting at the bar talking to bleach-blonde, stick figured, bimbo. He was sitting on a stool and she had herself positioned between his legs, twirling her hair and smiling like a moron. Norman seemed to be eating up the attention and Gia had to look away.

"I can't believe that asshole! There he is with some 'round-the-way slut and he couldn't even tell you happy birthday" Becka said angrily.

"I know right! Who would've thought Norman of all people would be like this!" Jo said heatedly.

"Let's cut him!"

"Okay, whoa, easy tiger, I'm angry not deranged. Let's just take it down a notch." Jo said and Gia actually laughed. But just as quick as her laugh came, it went and she hung her head sadly.

"Listen Gia.." Jo said, reaching across the table to put her hand on top of hers. Becka then placed her own on top of Jo's and Gia looked up at her friends "Today is your birthday. Your special day. Dont let him ruin it. Have fun. Let's drink and dance and worry about the rest tomorrow." Becka nodded her head eagerly and Jo smiled, feeling encouraged. They were right and she told them as much

"You guys are right. Even though I dont usually drink, I think tonight I should. Let's get some shots going and party!"

"Alright!" Jo and Becka yelled in unison and high-fived.

"Bartender! Let's get some shots over here!" Jo yelled and the bartender immediately got their order. When she came back to their table with their drinks, Becka told her to "keep 'em coming" and the bartender nodded before walking away. The girls toasted to Gia's special birthday and took their shots. Before they knew it, one shot became two, two became four, and four became seven. All three of them were completely wasted at this point but they were having the time of their lives too. Soon Rihanna's song "What's My Name" came blasting through the speakers and all three ladies ran out onto the dance floor. Andy and Johnathan had decided to join their girlfriends and Jake Harris came to dance with Gia so she wouldn't be dancing alone. Jake stood behind her with his hands on her hips, as she grinded into him and wrapped one arm around his neck. They moved seductively together, though both knew it wasn't a sexual attraction. It was just the way you danced to that kind of music. They danced for another 3 songs before Gia said she needed to take a break and get a drink. Jake nodded and went back over to his table. Gia made her way over to the bar, stumbling slightly due to exhuastion and alcohol. Gia sat on a stool and called out to the bartender

"Another shot please."

But before the bartender even had a chance to go make the drink, an angry, red-faced Norman appearned next to Gia and said "She's done for tonight." He said it with so much forcefullness and authority that the bartender immediately nodded her head and walked away.

"But Im just getting started!" Gia said, laughing. Norman grabbed her arm and pulled her from the stool.

"Let's go!"

"But what about my party? It's my birthday, you know." Gia said, like Norman really needed to be informed.

Norman said nothing as he dragged her out of the bar by her arm. When they finally got outside Gia began to shiver. In the haste of being dragged out the bar, she'd left her coat on her chair. Norman saw this and wordlessly took off his own jacket and placed it over her. When they got to the Northwestern, Norman hopped over the rail first and then placed his hands on Gia's waist, lifting her over so she wouldn't fall. He then resumed his position of grabbing her arm and pulling her inside and into the galley. Gia was giggling the entire time. In different circumstances, like if she wasn't completely drunk, she would've yelled and cursed at Norman and demanded for him to release her. This was not the case tonight.

Norman sat Gia on the table and went to get a cup of coffee. When he returned, he tried to hand it to her but she shook her head.

"I don't like coffee."

"Doesn't matter. It'll help sober you up."

Gia just stared at Norman and he began to grow impatient.

"Take the coffee."

"I said I don't want it."

"What you want and what you need are two different things."

"I need you."

Norman stared at Gia, surprised at what he'd just heard and for a moment Gia could swear she saw in his eyes what she'd felt for him all along. But Norman shook his head, immediately breaking the trance. He set the coffee down on the table, and then he spoke.

"Your drunk."

"No I'm not."

"Yes you are."

"So what?"

"So you don't know what your saying."

"I know exactly what I'm saying. And I mean everything I say. The alcohol is just giving me the courage I need to say it."

"Go to sleep Gia." Norman said and turned to walk away. Gia reached out to grab his arm. He stopped and turned back around to face her.

"Wait a minute."

"What?"

"You didn't wish me a Happy Birthday."

"Happy Birthday." Norman said shortly and turned again to walk away. Again Gia grabbed his arm and Norman turned to face her, his patience visibly wearing thin,

"What now?"

"I want a kiss."

"What?" Norman said in disbelief.

"I want you to kiss me Norman." Gia said undeterred.

"Gia, dont. Your drunk."

"Just one kiss Norman." Gia said in low voice "Please...For my birthday?"

Norman sighed heavily but one look at Gia with her lips pouting and her eyes sad and Norman lost all his resolve. "Fuck." he muttered almost inaudibly before taking Gia's face between his hands and crashing his lips down onto hers. The kiss was intense and deep and Gia felt her head swimming. She ran her hands up Norman's chest and into his hair. Norman pulled Gia's hair out of it's ponytail and began running his fingers through her hair. She sucked on his bottom lip, which inadvertently caused him to groan. He took her legs and pulled her closer to him and Gia immediately wrapped her legs around his waist. Norman put his hands inside her shirt and ran his calloused hands up and down her soft, bare skin. Gia removed her hands from Norman's chest and she immediately began to unbuckle his pants when he suddenly grabbed her hands and pulled away from her.

"What's wrong?" Gia asked, her breath labored. Norman took a few deep breaths of air before he opened his eyes. They were filled with lust and want and Gia couldn't understand why they'd stopped.

"This isn't right. Your drunk. And I...I still...I.."

"You what?" Gia said suddenly angry "Say it Norman...You still hate me? Is that what you were going to say? Huh?"

Norman said nothing, because that was what he was going to say. He rebuckled his pants and looked to Gia, her eyes fiery and her cheeks crimson with anger.

"God, she's beautiful" Norman thought longingly but decided not to say that. Instead he said

"Your drunk."

"And your an asshole."

Norman shook his head and turned to walk away. This time Gia didn't reach out to stop him. Instead she sat rooted to the table and watched as Norman walked to his stateroom. He opened the door but before he walked in Gia called out to him

"Norman."

"What?" Norman asked, not turning around.

"I...I love you."

Norman said nothing. He took a deep breath, shook his head and walked into his stateroom, closing the door behind him with out another word. Gia felt tears immediately fall down her face. She didn't know where she found the strength, but somehow she was able to stand and walk into her stateroom. She plopped down onto her bunk and quickly removed her boots. She then removed her pants, and shirt and threw on a black Dutch Harbor hoodie and sweatpants and sunk under the covers, tears still falling from her eyes.

"Happy Birthday to me." Gia thought miserabley and eventually fell into a fitful sleep.